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Sanuki Daisuke, Sanuki Daisuke Architects (Sda.): Incorporating Empty Spaces and the Environment in Quality Residential Design
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Sanuki Daisuke, Sanuki Daisuke Architects (Sda.): Incorporating Empty Spaces and the Environment in Quality Residential Design

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Lily J. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Courtesy of Sanuki Daisuke (Sda.) /

Introducing Sanuki Daisuke, a Japanese architect at the design studio Sanuki Daisuke Architect (Sda.), Vietnam. One of expert guest speakers at the room X Living ASEAN Design Talk in Bangkok. Mr. Daisuke is renowned for his creative ways to make the best use of limited space, at the same time creating urban living spaces blend that with their natural surroundings and the general climatic conditions of a place.

Sanuki Daisuke

We recently had the opportunity of interviewing Mr. Daisuke in the lead-up to the Design Talk titled (Re)Thinking inside the Box, Vol. 1 Living in Small Urban Spaces. Conducted in English, the discussion was scheduled for Sunday August 4, 2024. It was a part of the Baan Lae Suan Fair Midyear 2024 at BITEC Bang Na, Bangkok. In essence, it’s about raising public awareness about the problem of limited space in the city and the importance of well-thought-out design in overcoming site constraints, especially in the context of the type of climate most common in Southeast Asia. The following are some insights into his work experience.

Q: What type of design have you done so far?

A: For the most part, we focus our attention on particular architectural concepts, meanwhile assessing the relationship between designs and people. They include residential projects such as small houses and apartments as well as larger undertakings like hotels and resorts. Looking back over the years, most of the projects I participated in while working in Japan were quite different from those created by other architects. They were projects designed to be built in Vietnam. That was how it all started. Time went by so fast. I have been working in Vietnam for more than 14 years now.

Sanuki Daisuke
Vom House / Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki
NGA House / Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki

Q: What did you see as the potential or possibility that could be developed or lead to success in Vietnam, or Ho Chi Minh City? At least the environment is different from that in Japan.

A: In terms of the environment, it’s very different from Japan. From my point of view, Vietnam has the potential to develop much further thanks to its cultural diversity and new things coming in the future.

Q: What is it that inspires you or acts as a guiding principle for your work?

A: That’s hard to explain because the nature of work, its intrinsic qualities and characteristics differ greatly from one project to another. Even projects in a rural area are done differently depending on the circumstances that form the setting of a place. First things first, we have to create a theme or the main idea about what we’re trying to accomplish. For example, we may want a design that incorporates the natural environment, or one that has a distinct identity specific to a region. In Vietnam, the uniqueness of a project isn’t limited to just a location. There are plenty of other qualities that can make a project the only one of its kind.

Floating House in Thu Duc / Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki
Sanuki Daisuke
Floating House in Thu Duc / Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki

Planning that’s right for the climate and the environment is likely to have a profound effect on people’s well-being. Plus, it helps to avoid design repetition. Failure to integrate this quality in the beginning of the thinking process may result in design errors, causing additional work and delays. There is more to architecture than meets the eye. The design process is important too, especially when it comes to creating urban living spaces. Besides good build quality, a home must offer usable areas that are flexible. At the same time, the integration of outdoor spaces in the house plan can make the home feel exceptionally good.

Q: You mentioned the physical environment. And what are your thoughts on culture and the people’s way of life in Vietnam?

A: It’s a different culture, one that’s perhaps influenced by the Tropical climate prevailing in Vietnam. This is evidenced by the fact that a lot of activities happen outdoors. I think street food scenes and wedding celebrations takin place in an outdoor setting can be adapted or made suitable for a new use in Japan or Europe, too. We may want to incorporate different aspects of Vietnamese culture in our design. In my opinion, Thailand has a lot in common with Vietnam in terms of climates. Taking in green spaces as part of a whole can add visual and mental benefits.

Q: Give me a few examples of projects that were inspired by the rationale you just described.

A: In Vietnam, several projects were accomplished by integrating more empty spaces in the house plan. But with land prices constantly on the rise, it makes us think again in order to make changes to spatial arrangements. “Vom House” is a good example of the house plan designed to promote natural air circulation in the interior keeping the home cool and comfortable. Technically speaking, it’s about finding creative ways to bring the outdoors in. Another example is “Vung Tau House” which is a home built on a limited space. Even then, green spaces and semi-outdoor rooms are incorporated in the plan, ultimately resulting in a bright and airy living space.

Q: As an architect, do you have a plan for your studio in the future? Any thoughts on personal ambitions that you may have?

A: I think architectural design offers many interesting perspectives. In other words, there are many ways to solve a problem. I think that if we have a clear idea about what we want to achieve, it makes a job exciting. Personally, I look forward to the opportunity of trying something new, something meaningful and inspiring for up-and-coming young architects. This includes adding new methods to the various stages of design development. It’s a part of our work going forward.

Sanuki Daisuke

(Re)Thinking inside the Box is a series of discussion events focusing on the issues abovementioned. It’s all a matter of perspective about what can be done to address the problem of limited living space in the city. It’s a forum for people to explore new possibilities and look at the problem from within, thereby turning a challenge into a solution. Hence, the title is (Re)Thinking inside the Box, as an alternative to outside-the-box thinking.

As part of the room X Living ASEAN Design Talk 2024, (RE)Thinking inside the Box Vol. 1 is on the theme of “Living in Small Urban Spaces”. Here, expert guest speakers will discuss ways to create small living spaces and enhance the quality of life, at the same time shedding light on site constraints, challenges, and possibilities for building decent homes in urban areas. In the fewest possible words, it’s about promoting good life and a good living environment.

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3 Living Trends Worthy of Attention with Antoine Besseyre des Horts
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3 Living Trends Worthy of Attention with Antoine Besseyre des Horts

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: MNSD / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Nantiya June, and corporate public relations documents /

“We live in an age when time is spent searching for a special home life experience more earnestly than any time in the past.” Here are excerpts from an interview with Antoine Besseyre des Horts.

In a time when people yearn for a particular quality that forms their distinctive character, the relentless pursuit of smart home living experiences invites an obvious question that has not been dealt with before. Exactly what kind of products can improve the quality of life? Is it really capable of answering people’s lifestyle needs? Join us on a journey to discover the thoughts and strategies of a design team at a world-class brand targeting consumers in the ASEAN region.

Antoine Besseyre des Horts
Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader of Lixil Global Design Asia

Living ASEAN recently had the opportunity of doing an in-depth interview with Antoine Besseyre des Horts, a person with senior managerial responsibility for LIXIL Global Design’s business in Asia. He’s the one who oversees design and business strategies promoting superlative home product lines, notably American Standard and Grohe. This has enabled us to keep abreast of the latest development in design trends for 2024-2025 and bring you examples of some of the best product designs tailored to the specific lifestyle needs of consumers in the ASEAN region. Speaking of which, let’s take a look at three living trends especially worthy of attention.

Trend 1: The bathroom has taken on a new role as the kitchen steps aside.

“I have talked with people from a number of design companies and discovered that homeowners in this day and age think highly of good bathroom design. Previously they had attached great importance to having a well-thought-out kitchen, but now the bathroom is at center stage. It’s become a part that boosts the home’s resale value. In the big picture, this could have been a long-term effect of the Covid-19 outbreak, which resulted in people spending more time at home, enjoying family life more than ever before. Many people now realize how important the bathroom is in everyday life. It’s a private place that adds overall happiness to the home, offering seclusion in which to relax, refresh and recharge. And the same is true for hotels, where the bathroom is integral to efforts at creating good customer experience.”

Trend 2: Personalization

“Looking at global macro trends, or major shifts in people’s behavior with regard to health and well-being, we discover that consumers have become more discerning and well-informed, having shown good judgement about products and the solutions that they provide. Together they translate into an improvement in home life experiences, providing a reflection of an individual’s distinctive character, taste and inspiration more clearly than any time in the past. Without a doubt, design that’s conducive to change for the better is of the utmost importance at this moment in time. This is also true for Asia, where demands for personalized products are rising at a faster pace than in the US, or in Europe. So to perform well in Asian markets, we have to be able to offer a variety of styles and features that people look for especially.”

Antoine Besseyre des Horts
Antoine Besseyre des Horts

“More importantly, this year’s trends are related to a choice of color and texture that pleases the senses and the mind aesthetically, notably shiny smooth gold and matte black. In fact, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Our product lines represent a curious amalgam of color and texture that consumers can feel the difference when using. These are desirable qualities that help when people choose a bathroom product that speaks volumes for their distinctive taste and personality. At the same time, it’s important that the product be made available at accessible prices, which can be quite a challenge from the manufacturer’s standpoint. So it’s about utilizing our full potential and the knowledge we have to achieve the best result.

“Grohe recently unveiled a new collection called ICON 3D. It has been dubbed the Absolute Customization for being the only one of a kind in the world. Like an item of custom made clothing, it’s unique and individualized, made with 3D printing technology out of a special alloy formed into a shape one layer at a time. The result is a product that conveys a great deal about freedom of creativity, a masterpiece that goes beyond imagination.”

“There’s another collection called Multisensory Moments. It’s a system of modular shower heads in various shapes and sizes that can be used interchangeably as designers and architects see fit for their projects. In essence, it’s about creating design that’s right for a specific environment, one that’s capable of answering consumer lifestyle needs and fulfilling an individual’s wishes to the max. There’s also a private collection that allows house occupants to change knobs, handles or other parts in the control mechanism by themselves. The way we show great attention to detail is no different from a skilled jeweler creating a special experience for end users.”

Antoine Besseyre des Horts
Antoine Besseyre des Horts

Trend 3: Advocating for Sustainability

“The third trend is quite a challenge. It’s about advocating for the ecological sustainability of the planet Earth. Likewise, we do our part to spread awareness, concern and care of the environment among young people. Our products are made to a high standard to reduce the impact on the surroundings. LIXIL strictly adheres to its statements about vision and value in environmental conservation. All the brands are working jointly toward achieving our goal in sustainability. Take for example the Grohe Everstream, which is a shower system designed to collect, clean and reuse the water over and over in real time. Technically speaking, you can take a shower using only a certain amount of water, thereby reducing waste and keeping the environment healthy.”

“The other challenge that we face lies in the pursuit of sustainable design. Precisely, it’s about finding ways to make our products not only environment-friendly, but also easy to use and capable of water saving. All of this is achievable without the consumer having to compromise on convenience or accept a standard that’s lower than is desirable. This results in good experience in practical contact with the faucet, shower head controls, or the pressure adjuster that’s capable of reducing water use by 30 to 35 percent compared to older models. So that pretty much summarizes the three hot trends in bathroom design at the present time. Ultimately, everything boils down to privacy and environmental sustainability.”

Intuitive and Sophisticated Design

Q: Speaking of good experience design in modern living, what does it mean from LIXIL’s standpoint?

A: “Besides the physical appearance and technology that goes into making a product, we believe it’s important to pay attention to the little things. Together they combine to create a good consumer experience and effectively answer family lifestyle needs. Take for example the design of a mechanism for raising and lowering the shower head. Imagine a family consisting of little children, a wife and a husband. And they are all at different heights. It’s best if everyone can adjust the position of the shower head by himself or herself without needing assistance. And that’s what the consumer wants in everyday life.”

“We’re talking about product psychology here. It’s about creating product design that’s easily understood, making it user friendly. This is especially important in some situations, such as in a hotel room. There’s no experience worse than walking into the shower and standing there not knowing what to do or how to operate the device. Or you see a sensor-controlled water faucet and mistake it for a soap dispenser, even press a wrong button. It’s a bad experience. That’s why our products are made easy to use, so anyone can operate them intuitively. At the same time, it’s sophisticated enough to have pride of place in modern consumer behavior.”

A Focus on the ASEAN

Q: How did findings from consumer behavior research in the ASEAN benefit your product design?

A: “We have worked closely with consumer groups in the region. We currently have our design studios up and running in both Singapore and Shanghai because we want to understand the market and find out what consumer demands are exactly. Plus, we need to understand the culture unique to a locality and its relationship with water. It pays to know how important water is to different cultures in Asia because it’s an important source of energy.”

“With respect to the ASEAN, we discover that water pressures on average are lower compared to other regions. So our products are design to solve these problems, resulting in an improvement in people’s shower experience, ultimately raising the standards of personal hygiene. That’s the reason why we try to put two and two together to be able to produce the kind of design that’s right in the circumstances unique to this region.

“We have design teams numbering more than 100 stationed at eight studios around the world. Our design principles place great emphasis on research and development. We have teams that study all aspects of bathroom use in each and every region. They look into how the bathroom is decorated, when it’s in use, or if it performs as intended. Evening is an important time of day when the bathroom is most in use. As designers, we want to see people return to a home sweet home. It’s time to take a shower and enjoy a good experience, one that’s truly special after a long day at work.”

Antoine Besseyre des Horts
Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader of Lixil Global Design Asia

To learn more about LIXIL, go to these websites.

American Standard: www.americanstandard.co.th

KAAN River Kwai Restaurant: A Nature-Inspired Riverside Restaurant Decorated with a Masterpiece of Stonework
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KAAN River Kwai Restaurant: A Nature-Inspired Riverside Restaurant Decorated with a Masterpiece of Stonework

/ Kanchanaburi, Thailand /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English Version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Kukkong Thirathomrongkiat /

Here’s a restaurant ensconced in lush greenery on the bank of the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, a province in the western part of Thailand. It got the inspiration from the scenic beauty of a forest landscape and creative use of local materials. The result is an attractive eatery in an idyllic setting, one that speaks volumes for the virtue of humility towards nature.

The color and texture of local building materials blend together beautifully with the natural environment along the River Kwai Yai in Kanchanaburi.

From a distance, a fine view of the restaurant building merges into the lovely canopy of green along the stretch of the river known as Kwai Yai that runs through Kanchanaburi town. Its exteriors in warm shades of brown prove a perfect complement to a bank of earth covered in smooth river rocks that visually connect with the landscape. In a way, it’s an expression of cordial greeting, an invitation for customers to step inside, enjoy good food and take in a pleasing view of the river.

A drawing of the ground floor plan shows restaurant spaces in relation to the retaining wall shaped like the letter U. / Courtesy of PHTTA Living Design
A drawing of the second floor plan shows the location of a gallery along the outside of the wall used for al fresco dining. / Courtesy of PHTAA Living Design
A drawing of the side elevation view in cross section shows the location of a retaining wall in relation to the River Kwai water line up front. / Courtesy of PHTAA Living Design 

Technically, the restaurant gets its rich color with a brownish hue from steel frames mixed with timber and other building supplies sourced directly from within the community. It’s thoughtfully devised to fit in well with the embankment situated below that’s built to prevent flooding in the area.

KAAN River Kwai Restaurant is the brainchild of PHTAA Living Design, a Bangkok-based studio renowned for creating architectural language that treats natural features as the integral part of design. The project offers 800 square meters of usable spaces that fuse with the surroundings to form a whole, while the River Kwai Yai provides access via waterborne craft to the shopfront. It’s also accessible by a road on the opposite side of the river.

A wall of earth, concrete and river rocks protects the riverbank from corrosion, meanwhile providing structural support and visually connecting with the natural surroundings.

The riverbank being three meters high from the water line makes it a challenge that tests the abilities of the team of architects. On the one hand, it’s good to be able to get a better view of the surroundings. On the other hand, years of water flowing down from the mountains have left the riverbank in danger of collapse. So a wall of earth covered in thick cement and smooth river rocks has to be built to prevent damage caused by corrosion.

In terms of color and texture, river stones made round and smooth by the action of water and sand perfectly blend with the physical surroundings. More importantly, they are easy to find, strong and water impermeable, making them a material of choice relevant to the context that forms the setting of the project.

A gallery overlooking the beautiful River Kwai is used as dining area.

As the lowest load-bearing part, the wall of earth reinforced by concrete and river rocks is capable of providing structural support for the safety and physical comfort of staff and customers alike. By design, it’s a clean well-lighted and well-ventilated place offering a high standard of performance as one would expect of buildings used for commercial purposes.

Semi-outdoor room for al fresco dining provides visual connections with the serene and peaceful River Kwai.

In a few words, KAAN River Kwai Restaurant is the product of a reinterpretation that treats characteristics unique to a particular area as more important than other things. It involves rethinking the state of affairs at hand and making appropriate adaptations to create exciting, new design, meanwhile showing humility towards nature by subtly blending in with the green of the pristine forest.

Architects: PHTAA Living Design

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Old Shophouse Renovated as a Light, Airy and Contemporary Home
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Old Shophouse Renovated as a Light, Airy and Contemporary Home

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English Version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Living ASEAN team /

A tight budget coupled with the problem of limited space in the heart of Bangkok’s downtown is a challenge that tests the architect’s abilities to overcome site constraints. In this particular case, it’s the renovation of an old three-story shophouse as a modern living space that’s done in accordance with city ordinances. More so than anything else, it’s a home tailored to the lifestyle needs of its occupants and improvements in living conditions. Thanks to well-thought-out strategies on the part of DRFJ (Design & Research by Fusinpaiboon & Jang), a model for home renovation projects was created. It can be used as an example for the general public to follow.

To begin with, the shophouse with three floors was a narrow lot place lacking light, fresh air and ventilation. The design team at DRFJ decided to apply the concept of “simple and more” to create a contemporary living space that’s within the law, more time efficient, and involving a relatively small cost. The secret to success lies in making the least amount of change to the existing building plan. They include wall openings, plus pillars and beams used as a support for the building. In this instance, the building plan is made up of three sections, each of which is four meters long.

There are stairs giving access to the upper floors, while the façade with external devices provide solar shading and ventilation. Taking everything into account, it’s quite a departure from the usual in terms of appearance. The result is an old home beautifully renovated to banish stuffy rooms by bringing fresh air and sunshine into the interior. Plus, there’s the overall vintage appeal in building materials that promotes originality and style. Most importantly, it’s a peaceful place of abode right in the middle of a big city. It provides a showcase of ideas for the general public to follow.

Despite the small area, the purposes of structures and spaces are clearly defined. The first floor has enough room for a carport well-lit and well-ventilated by wall openings at the front and the rear of the house adorned with greenery. Go further inside, and you come to a flight of terrazzo stairs giving access to the home office on the second floor. The low headroom is nicely compensated for by walls painted a cool-toned white that’s easy on the eye.

The first floor holds a carport that’s well-lit thanks to an exposed ceiling, while an opening at the rear provides controlled natural ventilation to the home. The space can be updated for a future business undertaking.
A small green space breathes new life into an area at the back of the house. It’s made by taking out an add-on unit of construction and replacing it with plants.
A view from below shows wall openings at the rear of the house designed to admit natural daylight and banish stuffy rooms.
The beauty and functionality. Old wooden stairs are replaced by ones made of steel. The staircase without risers makes the hallway feel light and airy.

The workspace itself is illuminated by natural daylight shining in through balcony windows. As to be expected, the bedroom is tucked away on the third floor that’s more private and quiet, thanks to a double wall system glazed using clear glass that opens to a balcony. Proceed to rooftop deck which holds a sitting room adorned with greenery. The sitting room itself is roofed over with Sandwich Roof Panels, a lightweight material known for good heat insulation. Inside, a floating furniture layout makes it easy for future updates. Step outside, and you discover a small sky garden hemmed in by walls that have since been given a fresh coat of paint for easy cleaning.

The workspace on the second floor is neat and uncluttered with just the right amount of furniture.

The bedroom on the third floor is protected from heat and noise by a double wall system glazed using clear glass.
The bathroom is well-lit by natural daylight, thanks to an array of awning windows glazed using frosted glass, while the walls are painted white to increase light and space.

Simply put, it’s the story of a home improvement done right, one made light, airy and comfortable by careful planning in spite of the problem of limited space and a tight budget. Furthermore, because it’s a shophouse converted into a home, there’s without doubt a look that imitates the style of the previous era, yet it blends beautifully into the community. From DRFJ’s points of view, it’s the prototype of a home from which other design can be developed, a preliminary model that’s open to the general public.

Panes of glass fixed at an angle projecting outward from the main wall bear some resemblance to the beautiful bay window.
A small green space on the rooftop deck provides many benefits. Hemmed in by breeze block walls, it’s a relaxing space with a view of the cityscape.

Join us for insights on creating urban homes that maximize quality of life. The room Books X Living ASEAN Design Talk 2024 on the theme of “(Re)Thinking inside the Box: Vol. 1 Living in Small Urban Spaces” is a discussion event in English focusing on urban living opportunities and design challenges that need to be resolved. It’s aimed at creating an awareness and knowledge among the general public about the importance of design in residential development within the context of city life across Southeast Asia.

The discussion will be in English. It’s open to everyone who is interested. There is no admission fee. Seats are limited. Please preregister at https://cooll.ink/DesigntalkLA/

Looking forward to seeing you all at Hall MR 214-216, Second Floor, BITEC Bang Na on August 4, 2024 from 1300 to 1530 hours. It’s happening as part of the Baan Lae Suan Fair Midyear 2024.

Architect: DRFJ (Design & Research by Fusinpaiboon & Jang)

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Two Homes Built of Local Materials as a Way to Foster Family Bonds
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Two Homes Built of Local Materials as a Way to Foster Family Bonds

/ Chiang Mai, Thailand /

/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Ratthee Phaisanchotsiri /

Aptly named “Our Home”, a pair of houses stands on the same property, suggesting the truth about the importance of family and building a peaceful society. The bigger house is designed for occupancy by the homeowner, while the smaller one is Mother’s residence. On the whole, there is beauty in simplicity and the way of life relevant to both of them. The concept of design is evidenced by the use of vernacular building materials and contemporary gable roof ideas that are straightforward, warm and inviting.

The main building is a two-story home that’s simple yet attractively modern.

From the design perspective, the principal building is a two-story home with three-bedroom three-bath suites under a steep pitch roof. The basic elements of design paired with the landscape speak the language of architecture that’s easy to understand. Walk in the door, and you come to a bright and airy hallway giving access to all the rooms, at the same time blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

Courtesy of Homesook Studio
Courtesy of Homesook Studio
Courtesy of Homesook Studio
Courtesy of Homesook Studio

A staircase nearby is built against the south wall glazed using clear glass alternating with louvered wood shutters for light control and ventilation. On the side facing the hallway, a handrail provides stability for walking up and down stairs.

Opposite the stairs, an open kitchen designed for easy moving affords a view of an inner courtyard with a thriving shade tree in the middle. It grows to fill the void of space on the second floor, creating a visual connection with nature and bringing the home office and private residential areas into contact.

The staircase leading to the second floor is built against the wall glazed with clear glass alternating with louvered wood shutters for light control.
The kitchen is enclosed by glass walls and sliding doors, creating clearly distinguishable boundaries.
A passage on the outside of the building overlooks a courtyard offering green spaces, fresh air and the joy of home.

The mother’s home is a single-story building with an open floor plan made for plain and simple living. There’s a sitting room adjacent to a pantry capable of adapting to changing needs. It holds two bedrooms and a bath with all the functionality for receiving visiting family members.

A platform along the exterior provides a connection between inside and outside. The overall effect is impressive, thanks to wall openings, windows and doorways working in tandem to keep the house cool and comfortable. The two buildings share the same vernacular building materials and features, forming a delightful and consistent whole.

The living room inside Mother’s home has oversized glass door systems that open to connect with the main house.

Mother’s bedroom is a plain, well-lighted place thanks to a large glass door system.

Everything changes with the passage of time, and somewhere along the line this pair of houses is changing with it. Previously an empty space, the backyard garden is now bursting with vegetable and herb gardens thriving luxuriantly. An outdoor area provides room for a playground with swings and miniature houses for kids.

A garden pathway meanders gently through the pea gravel courtyard between the two homes.

Like nature intended, they create a conducive learning environment. Above all else, the courtyard between the two homes serves the purpose of strengthening family bonds. It’s a place to sit together, talk together and shoot the breeze. In a few words, there’s nothing like “Our Home”, so to speak.

Architect: Homesook Studio (https://www.facebook.com/homesookstudio/)

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Office for Trees: Beautiful All-Glass Workspace amid Lush Green Gardens
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Office for Trees: Beautiful All-Glass Workspace amid Lush Green Gardens

/ Khanh Hoa, Vietnam /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki /

The name “Office for Trees” may sound unfamiliar, but that’s precisely what it’s meant to be. Here’s a modern workplace adorned with shade trees, shrubbery and hanging vines strategically placed to keep the heat out and embrace the beauty of every corner of interior design.

Seen from the street, the “Office for Trees” boasts the beauty of a see-through façade overlooking a well-maintained, inviting front yard.

Located in an urban district in Khanh Hoa Province, south central Vietnam, the building bears some resemblance to a solarium from a distance. It boasts a see-through façade made up entirely of glass to admit sunlight. Inside, beautiful workspaces enclosed by glass walls are disposed around a lush interior courtyard filled with trees and a pathway giving access to all the rooms.

Taken as a whole, it’s design that speaks volumes for the concept of the sustainable use of natural resources. While the country’s economy is picking up speed, the hidden danger of rapid urban growth is real. Lack of green spaces in the city and the realities of today’s climatic conditions are permeating all facets of people’s lives, affecting their health and well-being to put it mildly.

Conscious of changes in the environment, Pham Huu Son Architects, a group of young and dynamic architects based in Khanh Hoa, set out to create a different kind of business premises by incorporating the basic elements of nature into building spaces. The result is an ultramodern office providing 650 square meters of work area that’s calm and more conducive to creativity. Plus, it’s capable of carrying out the complete functionality for a variety of business operations.

A drawing of the first floor shows the main entry area (left) in relation to a stepping-stone garden pathway lined with green plants running the entire length of the building. / Courtesy of Pham Huu Son Architects
Nature at work, a drawing of the office’s upper covering illustrates rows of skylights alternating with planter boxes filled with green plants. / Courtesy of Pham Huu Son Architects
Nature at work, a drawing of the office’s upper covering illustrates rows of skylights alternating with planter boxes filled with green plants. / Courtesy of Pham Huu Son Architects

The “Office for Trees” consists of two buildings separated by an inner courtyard. Walk in the door, and you come to an impressive office reception/waiting room connected to the main office space at the rear.

Named the “Model House”, it contains an interior mockup complete with a bedroom, dining room, kitchen and bathroom designed to give customers a feel of how the design works. Between the buildings, a lush courtyard creates a focal point in the outdoors, improves natural ventilation and opens to admit daylight.

But what makes it stand out in a crowd is the glass façade that rises from the floor to the ceiling, resulting in a bright and airy office overlooking a koi pond and a well-kept, inviting front yard.

To reconnect with nature, the reception/waiting area is hemmed in by lush vegetation with a stepping-stone garden pathway connecting the front to the back of the building. Overall the interior is simple, clean and uncluttered with only a few pieces of furniture characteristic of minimalist ideas.

The office reception room up front is glazed using clear glass that stands tall from the floor to the ceiling. The interior is light, airy and uncluttered with a few pieces of furniture characteristic of minimalist design.
Glass walls separate the ”Office for Trees” waiting room from a koi pond in the front yard adorned with lush vegetation.

A design based on mutually beneficial relationships, the “Office for Trees” is able to provide a comfortable work environment. On the outside, green plants thriving vigorously under the big hardwood canopy trees act as engine that drives natural air circulation, keeping the interior workspaces nice and cool throughout the day.

At the same time, an underground water tank keeps the gardens well supplied all year round, resulting in well-maintained landscapes. On the rooftop, solar panels provide clean and green energy, keeping the “Model House” cool and saving electricity costs.

Reconnecting with nature, a stepping-stone garden pathway lined with lush vegetation creates a sense of space in the workplace made light and airy by design.
A park table and benches provide perfect outdoor room to chill out. They sit on the top of an underground water tank, a clever hack to save floor space in the inner courtyard.

A drone’s eye view shows the “Office for Trees” rooftop covered in planter boxes filled with lush foliage alternating with skylights providing ventilation and natural daylight.

Lastly, it’s clear that green spaces, adequate lighting and good ventilation play a vital role in improving health and productivity in the workplace. Together they create an atmosphere conducive to creativity, increased energy and enthusiasm for life. Thanks to well-thought-out design, there are amazing qualities aplenty here at the Office for Trees in Khanh Hoa, Vietnam.

Architects: Pham Huu Son Architects

Lead Architect: Pham Huu Son

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sacit Craft Power: A Push for International Renown Gains Momentum
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sacit Craft Power: A Push for International Renown Gains Momentum

/ Bangkok, Thailand /

/ Story: Lily J., Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Kranchanok Boonbamrung /

A brainstorming session took place on May 8, 2024 in what was described as a determined effort to take Thailand’s art and craft industry to the next level, ultimately accessing new markets and expanding their reach globally.

Organized by the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand, SACIT, led by Ms. Naruedee Phurattanarak, director of research and development for artistic products at SACIT, the conference brought together nine experts from a wide range of disciplines to discuss three hot topics; “Unseen Craft”, “Thainess” or the key attributes of being Thai, and “Craft Power”. The panel speakers included luminaries in the art and craft world, namely Mr. Viboon Leesuwan, Mr. Meechai Taesujariya, Mr. Pairoj Pittayamatee, Mr. Asa Piwkhum, Mr. Phitirat Wongsutinwattana, Dr. Sirikorn Maneerin, Ms. Pawinee Santisiri, Ms. Supavee Sirinkraporn and Ms. Cholada  Siddhivarn.

Naruedee Phurattanarak, director of research and development for artistic products at the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACIT).

The discussion on the theme of “SACIT Craft Power – The Future of Crafts: Guru Panel” represented a massive drive to assist and inspire craft makers, retailers and brands to go global and unlock the next level of growth for their business. Very briefly, it’s about challenging many popular perceptions that “craft products cannot be used in everyday life”. That being said, it makes perfect sense to try and change the way people think about arts and crafts on the global market by presenting quality craft goods that can be used every day and in so many different ways. Here’s a summary of the spontaneous discussion, one topic at a time.

Unseen Craft:

The first topic of discussion, named “Unseen Craft”, is mainly concerned with the moments of inspiration that go into creating art and craft products. Panel speaker Viboon Leesuwan, a member of the Royal Society of Thailand specialized in visual arts, talked about the enduring allure of Thailand’s traditional crafts. Viboon is an avid art collector with authoritative knowledge of crafts made from locally sourced materials. For many people, these are products that give great aesthetic pleasure and are valued for their usefulness.

Viboon said that for heritage craft skills to continue for a long time to come, it’s imperative that we foster good practice and general knowledge of art and craft among young people. As he put it, the key to success lies in the dissemination of ideas, values and learning to a wide audience.

He said that mentoring and educating young adults in art and craft must go hand in hand with developing awareness about local wisdom, or customs and practices recognized and followed by local communities for many generations. According to Viboon, each craft product bears a geographic indication, or essential qualities and ingredients that tell the story of its origin and the process that goes into making it. Take for example “Pha Gab Bua”, which is a kind of handwoven fabrics made by Meechai Taesujariya, national artist for visual arts (handwoven fabrics category) and winner of a 2016 Master Artisans of Thailand Award.

Pha Gab Bua fabric is made using weaving patterns indigenous to Ubon Ratchathani Province that’s widely acclaimed for its unique design, original material, and the power of storytelling about the weaving technique and area or neighborhood from which it is made. More than anything else, it’s a heritage craft skill that people rely on as a means of securing a livelihood and, at the same time, stimulating the local economy.

Thainess:

The second topic deals with promoting “Thainess”, or qualities that are the key attributes of Thailand’s cultural traditions. From a different perspective, there’s a feeling of accomplishment in the product, something that gives a sense of history and heritage that makes people purchase Thai-made goods. With this knowledge, a craft maker can maximize his business potential, creating products that are trendy, tailoring them to meet the specific needs of young people and, at the same time, incorporating storytelling techniques in craft goods.

Panel speaker Pawinee Santisiri said that art and craft itself is a language that expresses creativity and imagination. And the power of storytelling comes handy as an important tool to communicate the values and usefulness of a product to potential buyers on the global market. To take it to the next level, the craft maker relies on a universal language to present designs and ideas that are easy to understand. The universal language is one of many strategies used to connect buyers and sellers, eventually giving a product the renown of a famous trademark, not to mention enhancing sales and expanding into new markets.

Essentially, art and craft is about conveying an idea, impression and feeling through a physical concrete form. For a product to be successful, it must answer the specific needs of a target group, for example by placing great emphasis on the pride and joy of being Thai and, at the same time, promoting a good understanding about cultural heritage and the craft skills that go into making the product. It’s a series of actions that starts at the early stage of education.

At the risk of stating the obvious, art and craft instructors as well as master artisans, students and designers all have an important role to play in furthering the progress of handicraft skills, ultimately continuing to strengthen and take pride of place in modern society.

Craft Power:

The third and most important topic of discussion has to do with “Craft Power”, which refers to the ability of art and craft to influence public opinion and the behavior of target audiences on the global market. About this subject, the experts concur that for the art and craft industry to prosper, the only way forward is to advocate for sustainability every step of the way.

Interestingly, the tourism industry helps a great deal in raising awareness about art and craft products, resulting in good customer experiences. This eventually translates into higher incomes from craft making, thereby allowing communities to improve conditions of life. Plus, by making design in an integral part of the art and craft industry, the possibilities are endless. Well-thought-out design gives rise to an exciting array of new products. And they can be anything from a variegated color ice-cream to building supplies needed to create beautiful works of architecture.

Technically speaking, the power of craft can come in many different shapes or forms, even starting from scratch. It’s a good place to start where nothing has ever been done before. Take for example creating a work of handicraft using raw materials from agriculture. Done right, it’s a way to help protect the environment by promoting good practices at both the upstream and downstream stretches of the manufacturing process. In the end, the economy, culture and society stand to benefit from it, thanks in part to enduring efforts at making knowledge available to a wide audience. Online platforms are one way of reaching out and connecting with consumers.

The three topics illustrated above lay the groundwork for the development of a generation direction in which Thailand’s art and craft industry is developing in the near future. The ideas generated from this discussion provide the framework for the preparation of a new book titled, “SACIT the Future of Craft, Trend Forecast 2025.” Taken as a whole, they symbolize a vigorous effort for the advancement of all facets of Thailand’s art and craft industry and, at the same time, advocate for sustainability every step of the way.

 

In order to obtain more information on Sacit Craft Trend Book 2025, please contact Product and Potential Development Division at 0-3536-7054-9 then 1385 or download the E-book at https://www.sacit.or.th/th/detail/2024-06-20-16-40-45

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Casa Borbon: A Brutalist Style Retreat Blends Beautifully with Tropical Landscapes
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Casa Borbon: A Brutalist Style Retreat Blends Beautifully with Tropical Landscapes

/ Batangas, the Philippines /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Jar Concengco | Design Will Save the World /

Characterized by charm, good looks stripped down to the bare essentials, a two-story mountain retreat embraces the beauty of imperfection of brutalist architecture. From a distance, the rough appearance of raw concrete enhances the building’s exterior and façade rising above terraced contours that follow the natural descent towards the lush green landscape below.

Thanks to trees creating a camouflage privacy screen, a brutalist style mountain retreat merges harmoniously into the dark green of a wooded hillside outside Batangas City, the Philippines.

Located in Batangas, a city two hours by car to the south of Manila, the quiet vacation getaway named “Casa Borbon” is the brainchild of Cali Architects, an architectural practice based in Baguio City. It offers 77 square meters of living space nestled among trees and wooded hills. It was a difficult job, but the design team led by Amon Cali was able to create a home that merged into the countryside, a place advocating thoughtful use of the landscape and keeping the environment exactly like they found it.

A drawing of the master plan shows the positioning of a brutalist style home built into the hillside, hemmed in by trees that have been jealously preserved. / Courtesy of Cali Architects
A longitudinal view of the house plan in cross section shows the positioning of living, functional and utility spaces in relation to elements of nature in the surroundings. / Courtesy of Cali Architects

Made for cozy simple living, the brutalist style home boasts generous wall openings that admit plenty of natural daylight and cool breezes into the interior. As the architect intended, it exudes an air of raw, vibrant personality evidenced by what appears to be bare concrete surfaces and stark geometric shapes. By emphasizing honesty and natural materials, it blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors; meanwhile, treating functionality as more important than architectural embellishments.

Stark geometric shapes paired with the exterior devoid of embellishments create a unique look that gives the home warmth and a touch of nature.

But there is more to it than meets the eye. Where appropriate, polystyrene wall cladding is installed. It’s a lightweight material that’s resistant to water and moisture, plus it’s able to withstand a wide range of extremes of the seasons. Because it’s easy to install, the builders were able to complete the project in just eight months.

Taking everything into account, the house plan embraces minimalist interior design. On the ground floor, the dining room at the center gives an impression of the positive energy of family life. Nearby, tall glass walls separate the living room from a small dipping pool with poolside deck furniture. The second floor holds a more private area consisting of a sitting room and two bedrooms with balconies overlooking breathtaking landscapes.

A plunge pool and deck area with furniture lie between growing plants and the living room enclosed by glass walls.
A simple poolside chair blends seamlessly with the minimalist outdoor environment.
Generous openings on the second floor balcony allow air to flow in and out freely, creating the perfect chill-out zone with a view of the surrounding landscape.

From architectural viewpoints, Casa Borbon is unique in that the second floor can be accessed via stairs located both inside and outside of the house. Indoors, a spiral staircase built of steel connects downstairs to upstairs. Outdoors, another set of stairs leads to the second floor and continues to the rooftop deck hemmed in by planter boxes for gardening.

For privacy reasons, an outdoor set of stairs provides direct access to the second floor without passing through the interior of the first floor.
An indoor spiral staircase crafted of steel gives access to the second floor. Designed to safe floor space, it blends beautifully with warm minimalist interior design.
The rooftop deck is open to the sun, hemmed in by planter boxes for gardening.

In a few words, it’s well-thought-out home that conveys a great deal about brutalist architecture, one showcasing the rawness of materials fit to perform in the Tropical climate prevailing in Southeast Asia.

The lush appearance of plants growing vigorously makes the house entryway warm and welcoming in contrast to the rigidness of bare concrete walls.

Architects: Cali Architects

Principal Architect: Amon Cali

Contractor: EBK Builders OPC (https://www.facebook.com/ebkbuildersopc)

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Amber Kampot: A Luxury Resort Captures the Beauty of Cambodia’s Shorelines
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Amber Kampot: A Luxury Resort Captures the Beauty of Cambodia’s Shorelines

/ Kampot, Cambodia /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki, Robert Kleiner /

Like the opening scene of a movie, a luxury resort named Amber Kampot nestles warmly amidst lush mangrove forests and tidal ponds straddling the boundary between land and sea in southern Cambodia. Embracing the charm of rural life, it offers a wonderful panorama of the Kampot River lined with picturesque fishing villages. Needless to say, the region is widely regarded as a treasure trove of culture, history and beautiful coastlines.

The waterfront resort is aglow under the lights as the night unfolds. Seen from a distance, the building façade built of heavy timber framing is stained to a dark shade that perfectly blends into the wider landscape of southern Cambodia.

Characterized by rectangular precision, the waterfront vacation getaway consists of a principal building that includes foyers, service facilities and the entrance to villas for guest accommodations. The luxurious country villas come in three types, each offering a spacious veranda overlooking a meticulously manicured lawn and gardens bursting with curb appeal.

Amber Kampot boasts 6,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor living space designed for travelers seeking luxury accommodations in a peaceful environment. The overall effect is impressive. To the West, the misty mountain peaks of Bokor National Park are visible from miles around, while the tidal mouth of the Kampot River creates unforgettable hotel experiences.

A drawing of the floor plan of Villa Type 1A. / Courtesy of Bloom Architecture
A drawing of the floor plan of Villa Type 1B. / Courtesy of Bloom Architecture
A drawing of the floor plan of Villa Type 2. / Courtesy of Bloom Architecture
A drawing of the floor plan of the principal building and nearby swimming pool overlooking the Kampot River. / Courtesy of Bloom Architecture
A charcoal sketch of the master plan illustrates the positioning of the principal building, the riverfront pier and villas for guest accommodations disposed around tidal pools and pristine mangrove forests at the estuary of the Kampot River, southern Cambodia. / Courtesy of Bloom Architecture

Apart from nature’s most unspoiled landscapes, fresh air and sunshine, vernacular style homes stand as a testament to the fishing community’s rich cultural heritage. Together, they provide the Phnom Penh-based firm Bloom Architecture with valuable inspiration. And the result of all this is a hideaway luxury resort warmly cocooned among the trees, green foliage and tidal pools.

From a design point of view, the principal building and villas for guest accommodations are built strong, thanks to heavy timber framing stained to a dark shade that blends with the natural surroundings. Quality stains penetrate the wood grain, preventing moisture damage. Plus, they merge with growing plants and bodies of water in the background, creating a verdant oasis perfect for relaxation.

A diverse array of foliage plants adds privacy screen protection to a villa for guest accommodations.

Amber Kampot offers three types of accommodation, including detached and semi-detached houses known as Villa Type 1A, Villa Type 1B, and Villa Type 2. They vary in size depending on the number of guests staying and share one outstanding feature – an off-the-grid getaway where privacy takes priority. Each villa has a roofed platform along the outside that connects with nature, creating a perfect blend of cozy indoors and beautiful outdoors.

Step into the room, and you find the interiors painted a cool-toned white alternating with spots lacking embellishment intended to showcase the rawness of wood and concrete surfaces. Together they speak volumes for the beauty of vernacular culture – the forms and the crafts of carpentry unique to skilled builders in this part of Cambodia. Their signature lies in the perfect blend between traditional woodworking, an emphasis on natural lighting and the floors covered in sandstone pavers.

Plants with colorful foliage permeate through the living spaces at Amber Kampot, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

Minimalist vessel sinks paired with greenery give off good vibes.
A glass wall hung with pleated curtains opens and shuts as needed to regulate the amounts of light streaming into the room. It visually connects with a lush lawn hemmed in by trees and the understory of colorful shrubbery.

Outside, gray stone paver patios, foot bridges and garden pathways give access to all the villas. Each one of them is enclosed by a fence of wooden stakes that doubles as privacy screen protection within hotel premises. Nearby, trees and the understory of shrubs and hanging vines thrive luxuriantly keeping the villas cool in summer.

A garden bridge gives access to all the villas on the resort set amidst pristine mangrove forests at the tidal mouth of the Kampot River, southern Cambodia.

Back on the waterfront, the principal building contains a restaurant offering fusion cuisine bringing together ingredients from different cultures and recipes. As to be expected, there’s also a spa for health and beauty treatment as well as a gym and a swimming pool. Nearby, a riverfront esplanade provides ample space where people may walk for pleasure.

Fresh air and sunshine! The riverfront resort is silhouetted against mangrove forests with the misty peaks of Kampot Mountain visible from miles around.

Briefly, Amber Kampot is a marriage of rural charm and well-thought-out design, a translation of complex ideas into a form easily understood by everyone. Unequivocally, the design team at Bloom Architecture has succeeded in creating a romantic villa getaway ensconced in nature. Swing by Amber Kampot on your next country sojourn.

Architect: Bloom Architecture

Designer Team: Antoine Meinnel, Cristina Toran, Robin Leonard, Ith Sovannarith, Ny Kechseang, Khoan Pengly and Patel Saniya

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Pavi Homestay: A House Renovated as Homestay Boasts Originality and Timeless Charm
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Pavi Homestay: A House Renovated as Homestay Boasts Originality and Timeless Charm

/ Ha Giang, Vietnam /

/ Story: Kangsadan K. / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Trieu Chien /

Amid the ever-changing trends setting the stage for the future, there are people who feel a yearning to live a simpler, more traditional lifestyle. Their emotional attachment to family roots and cultural origins is set down in permanent forms. Here, the story of a Hmong family’s journey is manifested in a house that has since been renovated as a homestay in Ha Giang, a province in Vietnam’s Northeast renowned for its unspoiled countryside.

An aerial view of the old cluster house renovated as a homestay in relation to traditional-style homes in the neighborhood.

Beautifully restored to its former glory, Pavi Homestay offers 380 square meters of usable space ensconced in a region famous for its richness in long-standing traditions. In this remote corner of Vietnam bordering on China, misty blue mountains can be seen from miles around. It’s easy to get why every aspect of Hmong culture is jealous preserved, residential architecture included.

A side elevation view of Pavi Homestay silhouetted against the mountain peaks and wooded hillsides of Meo Vac, a rural district of Ha Giang Province.

As tourism grows, demands for accommodation increase. And that’s where the architectural firm Trung Tran Studio based in Son La is brought into play. It’s tasked with renovating this old house as a homestay and, at the same time, maintaining every distinctive feature in its original state. Before you know it, the old cluster house unique to Hmong culture transforms to take on a new role as homestay destinations.

A diagram shows the ground floor of the old cluster house before renovation. / Courtesy of Trung Tran Studio
A drawing of the ground floor after renovation shows the positioning of rooms for guest accommodations in relation to a system of roofed corridors and support facilities, including a small restaurant and bar. / Courtesy of Trung Tran Studio
A diagram shows the second floor of the main house before renovation. / Courtesy of Trung Tran Studio
A drawing of the second floor of the homestay project shows details of space utilization in the main house, the side house and semi-outdoor rooms after renovation. / Courtesy of Trung Tran Studio

Pavi Homestay is located in Meo Vac, a rural district of Ha Giang Province. Beautifully handcrafted, the buildings and the land merge into the mountain valley environment where time goes by slowly. It consists of three parts; the main house, the side house, and a system of roofed corridors for walking along.

The old house nestles warmly in an area known for considerable diversity in cultures and lifestyles. Together they convey a great deal about the ethnic communities living in the region, which also includes Dong Van and the Dong Van Stone Plateau.

The newly renovated main house is a two-story building offering eight rooms for guest accommodation. Here, the details make all the difference in design. Each room boasts the quality of being individual in an interesting way. Each one of them gives a sense of being a small stand-alone home, although they are all in one place.

Unlike the main house, the side house is designed as a family lodging. It’s easy to get why age differences in consumer behavior are factored in the house plan. This is evidenced by the way a row of three rooms are separated for privacy, each one of them fully equipped with modern conveniences.

As to be expected, the bedroom for mom and dad is located downstairs, connected to the rooms for kids by a flight of stairs. The children’s rooms are decorated with curved designs giving off good vibes, plus they create a sense of space, privacy and deep relaxation.

A glimpse into the side house made for family accommodations. The parents’ bedroom is on the ground floor connected to kids’ rooms by a flight of stairs.

Step outside, and you come to a system of roofed corridors providing access to all the rooms and support facilities, including a small restaurant and bar. Overall, the outdoor ambience is peaceful with a wonderful panorama of the mountain peaks and wooded hillsides that have made Ha Giang Province a sought-after destination for travelers.

An atrium hemmed in by a system of roofed corridors offers plenty of ample space for an al fresco luncheon and dinner, or a rendezvous with nature.

Inside and outside, Pavi Homestay is different from what is usual in that its physical appearance is pleasingly old-fashioned plus the quality of being local. For strength and durability, the original heavy timber framing, posts and beams remain very much intact. They were put together by traditional methods of construction.

A room decorated with lots of wood makes the interior feel warm and welcoming.

The building exteriors have the appearance of rammed earth walls, roofed over with unglazed, brownish colored tiles like everything else in this part of Vietnam. Such is the elegance and standard practice since times past. Together they work in tandem to make Pavi Homestay attractive in its own special way, in the meantime providing a window into ethnic Hmong culture from past to present.

The rough texture of rammed earth walls boasts the beauty of vernacular homes unique to Hmong culture.
Arched doorway openings go hand in hand with open-concept floor plans, making a modest room feel spacious.

Archway forming passages between rooms create a harmonious fusion with the natural environment.
As the evening unfolds, the atrium is aglow under the lights in contrast to the dark gray of earthen roof tiles that form the upper covering of Pavi Homestay.

In a few words, Pavi Homestay is the story of rich and subtle meanings, a travel destination embraced by nature and time-honored human tradition unique to Vietnam’s Northeastern Region.

An aerial view shows a part of the verdant countryside that’s home to a Hmong community where Pavi Homestay is located.

Architect: Trung Tran Studio

Lead Architects: Tran Mạnh Trung

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